Maya Ellison
As temperatures drop, the risk of pipes freezing and bursting increases. This can cause damage to property and pose a hazard to those living there. Pipes that are exposed to extreme cold, such as those in unheated areas, are most at risk. Plastic pipes, like any other type of pipe, will freeze when temperatures drop low enough. However, their flexibility means they are more resistant to bursting, reducing the likelihood of a flood. Nevertheless, issues can still arise during the thawing process, and leaks can occur.
Do plastic pipes burst when frozen?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Bursting of plastic pipes when frozen | Possible, but less likely than rigid pipes due to flexibility |
| Risk factors | Exposure to extreme cold, pipes against exterior walls with little to no insulation, pipes in unheated interior areas |
| Prevention methods | Insulating pipes, keeping faucets dripping in extreme cold, draining exterior water lines, applying heat to pipes |
| Action plan for frozen pipes | Leave faucets open, apply heat to frozen section, call a plumber if unable to locate or access frozen area or if pipe bursts |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic pipes are less likely to burst
However, it's important to note that while plastic pipes are less prone to bursting, they are not entirely immune to it. At extremely low temperatures, even PEX pipes can reach a breaking point. Therefore, it's crucial to take preventive measures to protect your pipes from freezing and minimize the risk of bursting.
To prevent your plastic pipes from freezing and potentially bursting, you can follow these steps:
- Insulate the pipes: Wrap the pipes with sleeve-type insulation, especially in unheated exterior walls, basements, attics, or other exposed areas.
- Maintain a consistent temperature: Keep the pipes inside your home whenever possible, and avoid exposing them to extremely cold temperatures. Ensure proper heating and insulation in these areas.
- Leave faucets dripping: During extremely cold temperatures, let indoor faucets drip slightly to prevent water from freezing inside the pipes.
- Empty outdoor faucets: Drain exterior water lines and hoses to prevent pressure build-up and reduce the risk of bursting.
- Apply additional heat sources: In extreme cold snaps, use space heaters or electric heating pads to raise the temperature around the pipes. Ensure a safe distance from flammable materials and never leave these heat sources unattended.
By taking these preventive measures, you can significantly reduce the risk of your plastic pipes bursting during freezing temperatures.
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Preventing frozen pipes
As temperatures drop, the risk of frozen pipes increases. This can cause a lot of damage and be costly. Here are some ways to prevent your pipes from freezing:
- Insulate pipes in unheated, exterior locations such as attics, basements, crawl spaces, and garages. Pipes that run against exterior walls with little or no insulation are also at risk of freezing.
- Drain exterior water lines to prevent pressure from building up.
- Keep the heating on inside your home. Set the temperature to a minimum of 55°F.
- Use space heaters for uninsulated areas or during extreme cold snaps.
- If you have pipes that are vulnerable to freezing, let water drip from faucets. This can help prevent pipes from bursting.
- Keep garage doors closed to protect water pipes located in the garage.
- Seal any leaks that allow cold air into your home where pipes are located.
If you suspect that a pipe has frozen, you should:
- Turn off the water at the main shut-off valve.
- Open the faucets so that water will flow through the pipe once the ice has melted.
- Apply heat to the pipe using an electric heating pad, an electric hair dryer, or a portable space heater (kept away from flammable materials).
- Once pipes are thawed, slowly turn the water back on and check for leaks.
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Thawing frozen pipes
When water freezes, it expands. This expansion can put pressure on the pipes containing it, which can lead to burst pipes. Pipes that are exposed to severe cold, like outdoor pipes, or pipes in unheated interior areas like basements, are at a high risk of freezing and bursting.
If you suspect that one of your pipes is frozen, you need to find the specific pipe before you can attempt to unfreeze it. Turn on the faucets to find out if the issue is affecting the entire home or just a specific area. If only one or two faucets have low water pressure, you will have to trace the pipe back from the faucet to find the frozen part of the pipe. Likely places for frozen pipes include exterior walls or where your water service enters your home through the foundation.
Once you have located the frozen pipe, you can begin to thaw it. Before you try any of these methods, first open the faucet the frozen pipe supplies. The steam created while heating the pipe can burst the pipe if it doesn't have an escape. You can use a hair dryer, heat tape, or a space heater. If you choose to use heat tape, wrap the tape around the affected area of the pipe, then plug it in to begin heating the pipe. A hair dryer or space heater will need to be directed at the pipe so that the warm air hits the frozen part of the pipe. Be prepared to wait at least 30 to 60 minutes. When the pipe begins to thaw, water will start flowing at a faster rate through the open faucet. Even after the water pressure is fully restored, it’s recommended to keep the heat on the pipe to ensure the ice in the line is completely melted.
After thawing the water line, use a rag, cloth, or paper towel to wipe the pipe down and inspect it for signs of damage or leaks. If you find that the pipes have been damaged, turn off the water at the main shut-off valve for the home, then contact a plumber to repair the leak or replace a burst pipe. Use towels, a mop, or a wet/dry vacuum to clean up any water as soon as possible to prevent water damage and the formation of mold and mildew. Fans and a dehumidifier can also be set up in the area to help absorb the water and dry any affected surfaces.
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Signs of frozen pipes
As temperatures drop, the risk of a frozen pipe increases. This is a common plumbing problem that can lead to burst pipes, causing extensive water damage and costly repairs. Here are some signs to help you identify frozen pipes:
Lack of Water or Reduced Water Flow
One of the clearest signs of a frozen pipe is a complete lack of water flowing from your faucets and fixtures. If the water in your supply lines has frozen solid, you will turn on the tap but no water will come out. In some cases, due to a partial freeze, you may still notice a slight trickle or a small amount of water dribbling out. This could be an indication that the pipe is in the process of freezing or that there is a blockage caused by ice restricting the water flow.
Foul Odors from Drains or Faucets
If you detect unpleasant smells coming from your drains or faucets during winter, it could be a sign of frozen pipes. The ice blocks the pipe, preventing odors from food, grease, or waste from escaping and forcing them back into your home. This can affect multiple drains and faucets simultaneously or sometimes only a single fixture.
Frost or Ice on Pipes
If you have exposed pipes, look out for frost or ice forming on the outside of the pipes. This is a warning sign that your pipes are extremely cold and at risk of freezing. Accessing your pipes can help you pinpoint which sections have frozen, allowing you to take targeted action to thaw them and prevent further damage.
Strange Noises from Pipes
Pay attention to any unusual sounds coming from your plumbing. Banging, whistling, or gurgling noises could indicate pipe issues, including the possibility of frozen pipes.
Water Damage or Structural Damage
If a frozen pipe has cracked or burst, you may start to see signs of water damage or structural damage in your home. This could include damp ceilings or walls, indicating that water is leaking from the pipes and causing damage to your property.
It is important to act quickly if you suspect frozen pipes to prevent further complications and minimize the risk of costly repairs. You can try to increase the temperature around the frozen pipe or apply heat to the affected section using safe methods such as electric heating pads or hair dryers. If you are unable to locate or access the frozen pipe, or if the issue persists, contact a licensed plumber for professional assistance.
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Water damage and insurance
Plastic pipes can burst when frozen, as water expands when it freezes, increasing pressure and causing the pipe to break. This can cause water damage to a property, which is a common issue for homeowners, and can be costly to deal with.
Homeowners insurance can provide coverage for water damage, but it is important to understand what is and isn't covered. The type of policy you have, the source of the damage, and whether the damage was accidental or gradual will determine whether your insurance covers water damage. A standard homeowners insurance policy typically covers water damage caused by sudden and unexpected events, such as burst pipes, which are considered accidental. However, it may not cover damage caused by flooding or water backups from outside sewers or drains, as this is often considered outside the scope of the policy.
If you live in an area prone to flooding, it is worth considering separate flood insurance, which can be purchased through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). This type of insurance is especially important if you live near a body of water or steep hill, which could cause a flood.
Additionally, most insurers offer optional sewer and water backup coverage that can be added to your policy for an extra cost. This type of coverage can protect you in the event of a sump pump failure or clogged sewer, which can cause basement flooding.
To prepare for freezing temperatures, it is important to take steps to prevent pipes from bursting, such as draining exterior water lines, insulating pipes in unheated areas, and keeping faucets open when temperatures are close to freezing. These measures can help to reduce the risk of water damage and the need to make an insurance claim.
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Frequently asked questions
Plastic pipes can burst when frozen, but they are less likely to burst than metal pipes. This is because plastic pipes are flexible and can expand to relieve some of the pressure caused by the freezing water.
If you have a frozen pipe, you should leave the nearest faucets turned on and call a plumber. You can also try to apply heat to the frozen section of the pipe using an electric heating pad, an electric hair dryer, or by wrapping the pipe with towels soaked in hot water.
To prevent your plastic pipes from freezing, you can insulate them, leave the taps dripping, and empty outdoor faucets. You should also avoid leaving pipes near poorly insulated exterior walls, attics, basements, or other unheated areas.
If you turn on a faucet and no water comes out or only a trickle, you may have a frozen pipe. Frozen pipes are more likely to occur during freezing temperatures and in areas with poor insulation.
If your plastic pipe bursts, you should immediately turn off the water at the home's main shut-off valve and call an emergency plumber. You can also take steps to mitigate water damage, such as turning off the electricity (if it's safe to do so) and removing any valuables or furniture from the affected area.
